Definition
The Colton Fire Department has a future vacancy for the position of Fire Battalion Chief. The position will close on
Friday, January 2, 2026 at 11:59 pm. Interested and qualified candidates must submit the following materials:
- Online application
- Cover letter addressed to the Fire Chief, Ray Bruno
- Resume
- Leadership certifications, EMT-1A and CPR certifications
All materials listed above should be included and uploaded with your online application. Failure to provide the necessary materials may result in disqualification.
Candidates applying for this position should read the Chief's Letter attached Here.
Qualifications
For the full job description, see the Job Classification tab on the Human Resources webpage. Education and Experience is listed below to qualify for the position as follows:
Education: An Associate of Arts/Science degree with major course work in fire science, fire administration, public administration or related field; or possession of Chief Fire Officer 3A: Human Resource Management, Chief Fire Officer 3B: Budget and Fiscal Responsibilities, Chief Fire Officer 3C: General Administration Functions, Chief Fire Officer 3D: Command of Expanding All-Hazard Incidents is required.
AND
Experience: Three (3) years of full-time work experience as a Company Officer in a municipal fire department, in fire suppression, prevention, investigation, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, and communications.
Additional Requirements
- Possession of a valid California Class “C” driver's license and a satisfactory driving record during their employment.
- Possession of valid EMT-1A and CPR Certifications is required.
Additional Information
Once candidates have been deemed qualified, an email will be sent to those candidates for the next phase of the recruitment process. A written assessment assignment, along with instructions, will be emailed to candidates on January 6, 2026. Candidates will have until January 13, 2026 to return the assignment.
The Written Examination Is Scheduled For Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The Top 10 Scoring/passing Candidates Will Be Contacted To Move To The Next Phase. Candidates May Use The Following Materials To Study For The Examination
- Managing Fire and Emergency Services. Thiel, A.K. and Jennings, C.R. ICMA. 1st Edition (2012)
- Fire Officer's Handbook of Tactics. Norman, J., PennWell Publishing Co., 5th Edition (2019)
- Incident Command, ICS420-1. Firescope California: Fire Service Field Operations Guide, ICS 420-1. Incident Command System Publication (2022)
The next phase is an oral assessment scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Candidates will be contacted for scheduling. There will be two components for the oral assessment: an oral presentation, and an emergency exercise.
Candidates must pass the written and both components with a 70% or greater to be placed on the eligibility list. The final score is an average of all of the components. The top 3 candidates will go on to the Chief's Final Interview. Tentative start date will be on or after February 28, 2026.
Candidates successful in this process will have their names on the eligibility list for one (1) year. This list will be used for future vacancies.
Positions designated in the Colton Fire Fighters Association receive the following benefits:
- Cafeteria amount for the purchase of medical, dental, and vision insurance is $1,675/mo effective November, 2025; $1,750/mo effective January, 2026
- Employees hired on or after January 1, 2018, shall have a maximum cap of $500 for cash in-lieu or for the difference between the medical insurance premium and the cafeteria dollar amount.
- Up to 160 hours per year of vacation accrued for 0 – 5 years of service for Shift personnel; up to 120 hours per year of vacation accrued for 0 - 5 years of service for Non-Shift personnel.
- Up to 144 hours of sick leave (12 hours accrued monthly) for Shift personnel; up to 96 hours of sick leave (8 hours accrued monthly) for Non-Shift personnel.
- 192 hours holiday credit (per fiscal year) for Shift personnel.
- 12 Holidays off plus 20 hours floating holiday for Non-Shift personnel.
- California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) for Fire Safety: Classic Members hired prior to 10/15/2011 benefit level is 3% @ 50 Classic Members hired after 10/15/2011 benefit level is 3% @ 55 PEPRA Members hired after 1/1/2013 benefit level is 2.7% @ 57
- Post-Retirement Survivor Allowance
- CalPERS 4th Level 1959 Survivor Benefit
- Uniform Allowance: $75 per month per fiscal year.
- Longevity pay: $100/mo for 10 years, $200/mo for 15 years, $300/mo for 20 years, $400/mo for 25 years including previous fire experience in a similar position (non-cumulative)
- Bilingual Pay $200/mo
- Fire Arson Investigator pay $150/mo
- Captain training pay $400/mo
- Tuition Reimbursement up to $2,500 per fiscal year after passing probation.
- City paid life insurance coverage in the amount of $100,000
- City does not participate in the Social Security System
- One year probationary period
